Do I Need PlayStation Plus to Play Minecraft Split-Screen?
The straightforward answer is no, you do not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play Minecraft in split-screen mode on your PlayStation console. Split-screen is a local multiplayer feature that allows up to four players to play together on the same screen using the same console. It does not require an internet connection or any online service subscriptions. However, understanding the nuances of Minecraft’s multiplayer options on PlayStation can be a bit confusing, so let’s delve deeper into the details.
Understanding Minecraft Multiplayer on PlayStation
Minecraft offers various ways to play with others, each with its own requirements. It’s crucial to differentiate between these modes to understand when a PlayStation Plus subscription is necessary.
Local Split-Screen
As mentioned, split-screen play is a feature that lets up to four players share a single screen on your PlayStation console. This mode does not require PlayStation Plus, as it’s entirely local and offline. Players use additional controllers connected to the same console to participate. This is a fantastic option for families and friends who are together in the same room.
Online Multiplayer
This is where a PlayStation Plus subscription becomes mandatory. To play Minecraft online with friends on different consoles, you will need an active PlayStation Plus membership. This applies whether you are playing on a dedicated server, joining a friend’s world, or playing on a Minecraft Realm. Online multiplayer is distinct from split-screen and requires an active internet connection and the platform’s online service subscription.
Minecraft Realms
Minecraft Realms are private, always-online servers hosted by Mojang, the makers of Minecraft. To access and play on a Realm, you also need a PlayStation Plus subscription because this feature involves online multiplayer gameplay.
Cross-Platform Play
Minecraft allows cross-platform play, meaning PlayStation players can join games with players on other consoles, PCs, and mobile devices. Again, while this is a great feature, for a PlayStation user, the PlayStation Plus subscription is required when playing online with others. The subscription on other platforms would be determined by the rules for that platform.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion often arises because many of Minecraft’s multiplayer features rely on an online connection, which usually requires PlayStation Plus. However, split-screen gaming is a local feature and is distinct from online multiplayer. When you want to play Minecraft with others on different consoles or via the internet, then you’ll be prompted to ensure you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the situation and help you navigate Minecraft multiplayer on PlayStation, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Can I play Minecraft split-screen on PS4 and PS5?
Yes, split-screen is available on both PS4 and PS5 versions of Minecraft. The process of setting it up is the same on both consoles, and they both support up to four players locally.
2. How do I set up split-screen in Minecraft on PlayStation?
To start a split-screen game:
- Ensure all controllers are connected and turned on.
- Launch Minecraft.
- Start a single-player game.
- Once in-game, press the Options button on additional controllers.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to log in secondary players.
3. Do all players in split-screen need their own PlayStation Network account?
While each player needs a PlayStation Network account to track their achievements and settings, you can play local split-screen with guest accounts too. You will need separate accounts for online multiplayer access.
4. Can I mix split-screen and online multiplayer?
No, you cannot mix local split-screen players with online players. Split-screen is exclusively for local play. If you wish to play with friends online and locally, you would need multiple PlayStation consoles.
5. Is Minecraft free with a PlayStation Plus subscription?
No, Minecraft is not included for free with PlayStation Plus. You must purchase the game separately from the PlayStation Store to play it. A PS Plus membership is only needed for online multiplayer gaming.
6. What are the different PlayStation Plus tiers?
PlayStation Plus has three tiers:
- Essential: Includes online multiplayer access, monthly games, and exclusive discounts.
- Extra: Includes all Essential benefits, plus a catalog of downloadable games.
- Premium: Includes all Extra benefits, plus game trials, cloud streaming, and a library of classic games.
For playing Minecraft online, only Essential membership or higher is required.
7. Does Minecraft Bedrock Edition require PlayStation Plus for multiplayer?
Yes, Minecraft: Bedrock Edition on PlayStation requires a PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer, including joining Realms and playing with friends on other platforms.
8. Can I use a Minecraft Realm without PlayStation Plus?
No, you need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play on a Minecraft Realm. Realms are an online feature, and hence the need for a console subscription to use it.
9. How do I play Minecraft for free?
You can play a classic, limited version of Minecraft in your web browser at classic.minecraft.net for free. However, this is a basic demo and not the full game. To play the main game, it must be purchased.
10. Can I transfer my Minecraft game data between PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5?
Yes, Minecraft game data can be transferred between PS4 and PS5. You can use cloud saves through your PlayStation Plus subscription or transfer data locally.
11. What’s the difference between Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition?
The Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft for PC, while Bedrock Edition is designed to work across multiple platforms (consoles, mobile devices, and Windows 10). They have different world formats, and cross-platform play is only possible with Bedrock Edition.
12. Can I play Minecraft cross-platform without PlayStation Plus?
No, playing with cross-platform friends on a PlayStation still requires a PlayStation Plus subscription if it’s online multiplayer. The cross-platform play feature itself is part of the Bedrock Edition.
13. How do I troubleshoot Minecraft multiplayer connection issues?
Troubleshooting steps may include restarting the game, restarting your device, logging out and back into your Microsoft/Mojang account, and verifying that your multiplayer settings are enabled within the game’s settings menu.
14. Is Minecraft appropriate for kids?
Minecraft is generally considered appropriate for children ages 8 and up. It is not overly violent, and its creative aspects make it engaging for a wide age range. It is often praised for its educational benefits.
15. What if I only want to play Minecraft offline?
If you only play offline, you do not need PlayStation Plus for split-screen or single-player experiences. An online service is only required for multiplayer game modes.
Conclusion
In summary, you do not need PlayStation Plus for Minecraft split-screen. The local, offline feature is accessible without a subscription. However, any online multiplayer mode, including playing with friends on different consoles, joining a Realm, or cross-platform play, will require an active PlayStation Plus membership. Understanding these distinctions will help you make the most of your Minecraft experience on PlayStation. Whether you’re gathering the family for a local game or exploring online adventures with friends, there’s a Minecraft experience for everyone on PlayStation.